Customer Reviews

A History of Byzantium (Blackwell History of the Ancient World)

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This book will serve to show to the wider public what a high level Byzantine Studies have finally reached. They have gone a long way from Gibbon's polemics (informed more by prejudice than facts and sound analysis) to become the highly sophisticated and interesting subject Timothy Gregory showcases in this book.

The book covers the period from 306 to 1453. It is interesting to note that Gregory sets the formal beginning of the Byzantine period at 306 rather than any of the more usual later dates. This allows for a better examination of the context within which Byzantium developed. On the other hand, Early Byzantine Period is here defined to be the period between 306-717, which is longer than that considered by other historians who often divide it into shorter periods. This is not just a technical point. It has to do with the controversial issue of the way the character of the Empire gradualy evolved (antique, Christian, "Byzantine" etc.). Allowing such a long time span for the Early Period acknowledges the complex nature of this evolution.

The first turning point in the history of Byzantium, namely the migrations of the 7th-8th centuries, is treated in an examplary fashion in the book, once again showing the maturity the subject has reached. Frequently exploited for political reasons in the Modern Era by an amazing variety of agents (including even the Communists during the Cold War!), this matter has been until recently presented in the most sensational and emotional way. Gregory though gives a dispassionate and rational account with more emphasis on cultural rather than less relevant ethnic issues. The conclusions of his approach will no doubt disappoint those who expect evidence of apocalyptic events and discontinuities which simply is not there.

The second turning point (the sack of Constantinople in 1204) is also presented in a rational and impartial manner. Without being unduly apologetic on behalf of the West, the book examines the serious consequences this event has had for the future of the Empire, including the acceleration of the tendencies towards its transformation into something like a Greek "nation-state".

I warmly recommend this book to everyone interested in Byzantium, Rome or simply European History!

I agree that it's not a casual read, but this book is excellent for anyone interested in learning a comprehensive chronology of the Byzantine Empire. Professor Gregory is a well-known archeologist/historian from Ohio State University, and this book showcases his expertise on the subject. The reading is well-balanced between listing every important name, date, and place while still telling the Byzantine story in a fast paced way that keeps your interest- over a thousand years in 400 pages. For those interested in historiography, this book also includes many relevant primary sources from the era's religious and political figures.

The book makes a admirable attempt at answering the questions that plague this field of study. What was the nature of Constantine's conversion? Why were the Arabs able to swiftly conquer the eastern parts of the empire in the seventh century? Was Byzantium a part of Western Civilization? In what ways did the empire reflect the Greek, Christian, Roman, and Islamic influences that it came into contact with?

A well written, professional and easy to understand book about the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire AKA Empire Of The Greeks). Great Author, Great Book, easily one of the better written and informative books on the topic.

Certainly a well-researched and well-written book that is meant for someone interested in in depth information. Casual readers may want to choose a different book.

If you're looking for something purely entertaining about early Byzantium you may try The Secret History of the Court of Justinian.

Too full of names and numbers to be useful to the casual reader interessted in Byzantium. It certainly is thourough, more appropriate as class room material.

Ok book. Sailing from Byzantium is much better in my opinion. And to permafrost if you actually read the book the Byzantine empire was considered "christian" not "greek". You need to read you poor feeble minded g(r)eek.